Where was Taps filmed?
1981
City Locations
Pennsylvania (USA)
Location Types
College, Riverside, Storefront
Location Styles
Colonial, Americana, Building Dated, Rustic
About Taps
Taps showcases a unique perspective on how students at a prestigious military academy prioritize honor above all other human virtues. Released in 1981, this American drama film is directed by Harold Becker and features Timothy Hutton, George C. Scott, Sean Penn in his film debut, and Tom Cruise.
The narrative of Taps unfolds in the imaginary setting of Bunker Hill Military Academy. The story revolves around a band of cadets who resort to extreme measures when their school faces the threat of being razed by a greedy real estate corporation. The students equip themselves with ample weaponry, ready to fight against the so-called 'invading' developers. Concurrently, General Bache (George C. Scott), the academy's leader, strives to suppress the uprising before it spirals out of control.
The film received generally positive reviews from critics and has been compared to William Golding's 1954 novel Lord of the Flies due to its themes surrounding violence and power. Roger Ebert gave Taps three stars out of four, noting that "there is something weirdly compelling about this story set inside a military academy where these young men are eager for conflict." At the 1982 Golden Globe Awards ceremony, Timothy Hutton was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for his role as Brian Moreland.
Taps Locations
Taps was filmed in some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful and storied regions. Most scenes were filmed at Valley Forge Military Academy, a historic school miles from Philadelphia. The sweeping backdrop provides a stunning view of the campus, with its historic buildings and lush grounds serving to anchor viewers both old and new to the story they are about to experience.
Valley Forge National Historical Park also served as a shooting location for some scenes in the movie. This park offers visitors an idyllic setting featuring sprawling meadows, towering trees, creek-side trails, and many historical landmarks such as Washington’s Headquarters Visitor Center and Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Museum. These locations offer a unique look into America's Revolutionary War heritage, making a trip to Taps filming locations even more worthwhile.
In addition to these iconic spots, other surrounding areas were utilized during production, including N. Wayne Ave in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and sets constructed in Valley Forge's former riding hall, Clothier Hall, which no longer exists. These details come together to provide viewers with an insight into what life was like for cadets attending Valley Forge Military Academy in the early 1980s - making it genuinely worth visiting all these significant locations featured in Taps.
The academy scenes in Taps
Valley Forge Military Academy and College, 1001 Eagle Rd, Wayne, PA
Most of the academy scenes in Taps are set at Bunker Hill Military Academy, based on the real-life Valley Forge Military Academy. Before the Bunker Hill Military Academy graduation parade commences, a confidential meeting unfolds between Cadet Brian Moreland (Timothy Hutton) and the academy's retired commander, General Harlan Bache (George C. Scott). In this private discussion, Moreland receives a promotion to Cadet Major, marking him as the highest-ranking cadet in the academy.
Most of the filming occurred at Wheeler Hall and Clothier Hall (which has since been demolished). The brick and iron gate showcased in this scene was constructed for the movie and taken down after filming wrapped. VFMAC provides visitors a unique opportunity to view some of the exact locations seen in Taps 1981 first-hand. Numerous students from VFMAC were also enlisted as extras in the production.
If you plan to visit VFMAC, start from downtown Philadelphia and take Interstate 76 W. Continue on this route to Chamonix Rd and follow it to Eagle Rd in Wayne. Parking facilities are conveniently provided onsite for those who wish to explore the area more comprehensively.
Cadets' truck breaks down scene in Taps
N. Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA
A squad of cadets is dispatched to a town-based food supply warehouse to refill their supplies. However, one of their trucks experiences a breakdown during the return trip. As Cadet Alex Dwyer (Sean Penn) attempts engine repairs, they are confronted and encircled by some local townsfolk. The situation escalates when the fiery Cadet David Shawn (Tom Cruise) discharges his M16 into the air, firing several rounds. This causes the locals to flee. Consequently, the cadets leave behind the broken-down truck and hastily depart the scene in their other vehicle, accidentally colliding with a police car.
The street scenes were filmed through N. Wayne Ave between Strafford and Wayne, Pennsylvania. This vibrant area provides a unique setting for the scene, as it captures the everyday lifestyle of small-town America and a feeling of impending dread among all involved.
To visit this location, fans can take Interstate 76 from Philadelphia towards Wayne until they reach N Wayne Ave. Plenty of attractions are located near this locale - Rolling Hill Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Stoneleigh: A natural garden, and many more, all within driving distance of N Wayne Ave.
Moreland's speech in front of the parents scene in Taps
Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA
The police cordon off the academy while a group of parents, headed by Moreland's fiery and military-inclined father, Sergeant Kevin Moreland (Wayne Tippit), arrives on the scene. However, their presence does not sway the cadets' decisions. To prove to the parents and police that the boys are not being held captive, Moreland gathers the cadets and allows them to leave. Yet, every one of them opts to stay.
The scene was filmed at Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania. It's located about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia and covers over 3,500 acres of monuments dedicated to honoring those who pulled together during extraordinary times during the Revolutionary War era. Visitors can explore memorials dedicated to important figures such as George Washington and Nathanael Greene.
To get to Valley Forge National Historical Park, visitors can get to Philadelphia and rent a car or take public transportation for an hour's drive northwest towards Pennsylvania's Montgomery County. Depending on availability during certain seasons, the park also provides shuttles from local hotels. After arriving at the park entrance, visitors can explore by foot or bike along its 80+ miles of trails for a unique outdoor experience that pays homage to America’s past struggles and successes.
Conclusion
Taps is a powerful and thought-provoking film that reflects the idealism and authoritarianism of adolescence. The performances are exceptional, with Tom Cruise, Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, and other young actors delivering compelling and nuanced portrayals of high school cadets struggling to come to terms with their experiences.
Taps utilized Pennsylvania locations to bring its military academy setting to life. Valley Forge Military Academy, Philadelphia, Reading, Spring City, Wayne in Pennsylvania, and Woolwich Township in New Jersey served as the primary filming locations.
One of the most impressive aspects of Taps is its realism. This was achieved by shooting on location at the Academy, which enabled the cast to become immersed in military life and allowed for subtle nuances in their performances. It also gives the film a sense of authenticity that adds to its power. These settings provided the appropriate backdrop for the movie's storyline and added to its overall atmosphere and visual impact.